Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I love the month of May for so many reasons...one being that we celebrate Naitonal Scrapbooking month. And with it being a new month we get a new Stamp of the Month. And this month's exclusive stamp set is so, so very FUN!

These cards were created with the classic TOMMY Paper Kit (#X7169B). The top card has a Blue Epoxy Bubble (#Z1806) at the center of the pinwheel and some cranberry baker's twine on the stem. Each pinwheel, as well as, the star, was adhered using the 3-D foam tape (#Z1151)

This card was enhanced with the Sparkle Flourishes (#Z1708)

The center of the pinwheel on the card below is a pewter button and baker's twine.

This set is named "PINWHEEL." It consists of 10 images. I have enjoyed creating with this set so much! The images can be made to move, can be 3-D and look awesome in any color combination!
This set goes PERFECT with the exclusive paper pack CTMH has designed for this month only in honor of it being National Scrapbook Month.

The CTMH National Scrapbook Month Special is out! It is a Delicious pack of limited edition papers- screaming SUMMER!

In honor of National Scrapbook Month you can get this special paper pack for only $10 when you spend $35 (so your May scrapbook club order can count towards reaching the required sale amount-before shipping and tax you May scrapbook club kit is $29.95 so with just one more add-on you will qualify!). This paper pack is valued at $19.95! This paper pack includes 12 cardstock sheets as well as 12 B&T Duos papers that were specifically designed for this promotion only-you can't get this paper packet anywhere else! Start National Scrapbooking Month off right with a unique paper packet at a bargain price and get your creative juices flowing!

Each cardstock sheet has a unique glossy resist pattern that will add texture and pop to all your creations.

I will be offering an Extra- Special Workshop at the beginning of June using this paper pack. We will be creating 2 two-page layouts, 3 cards and a s set of 6 decorated treat tubes! Details will be coming SOON!

This workshop will be available as a "kit to go," too!

Here are a few pieces of art created with the Dream Pop Paper Pack.
I will be sharing more artwork throughout the month so please stop by frequently!

The ice cream above is created using the cupcake top from the CTMH Artiste Cricut Cartridge. I love how you can take images and use them for other shapes than the obvious!

The silver shimmer trim (#Z1799) is a PERFECT embellishment for the DREM POP paper!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I just wanted to send out one last reminder about the FEISTA SCRAPBOOK WARS/CROP that is being held on FRIDAY, MAY 10th. This is going to be quite a party! For those of you who are not familiar with this event- we will begin the celebration by working in teams of 2 (possibly 3 depending on how many sign up). You and your team mate will be given a "Kit" (enough paper and embellishments and a stamp set) to create a required project in a specific amount of time. The projects will be judged by a team of judges. One team will be eliminated and the others will be given another "kit"and project assignment. When/if you get eliminated you can then work on whatever project you bring to work on or the layout kits that I have prepared for you that you get included in with your registration. There will be three rounds in scrapbook wars. The winning team will be presented with a CTMH gift certificate that they can split and can be redeemed with me at any time.

Once the "WAR" is over I will do a mini class focusing on the CTMH flip flaps. As part of your registration you will be receiving one pack of the 12' flip flap variety pack (LOVE THESE!). And the rest of the evening is yours to work on whatever you please, mingle, social and nibble on FIESTA treats!

AND...I have just added a little something for all participants! You will each get a kit to make this darling Mother's Day Card!

There will be cash and carry product available for you to purchase at GREAT prices (I take cash, checks, paypal and plastic)!

And I will have several kits available to purchase (a limited number of each kit). If you would like to pre-order any of the kits to guarantee that you will get one PLEASE EMAIL ME A.S.A.P and I will reserve kits for you.

If you would like to come to this event and just complete the kits I will have available to purchase you can! Please pre-order your kits ahead of time so I can reserve them for you.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to purchase kits-YOU CAN! Just contact me letting me know which kits. If I will be mailing you the kits then postage costs will be added to the kits.

Here are a few:

Pun Fun Card Kit: All papers come pre-cut and images pre-stamped to put together 7 cards. Your kit also comes with the 8 alcohol markers, the blending pen, and bakers twine and photos to refer to when putting your cards together. I do recommend 3-D foam tape to adhere the stamped images to the card if you want a 3-D look like I have. Kit cost: $30.00. Markers and blending pen are YOURS to keep for other projects!

Opportunity to purchase scrapbook kits (precut papers, cricut pieces, stamped images, photo of layouts for guidance-I will pre-make several different kits in a limited supply. Once they sell out they are gone)

Mexican snacks and drinks through out the evening

a special treat

CTMH Gift Certificates to the winning scrapbook wars team

Here are the four pages included in your Fiesta Scrapbook Wars registration. You will receive everything you need to create these exclusive scrapbook layouts.

Bring you photos and scrapbook supplies and get ready to crop to your heart’s content once you finish with Scrapbook Wars! We are going to have a great evening of scrapbooking, some friendly competition, creating, celebrating completing projects and hanging out with friends.

Seating is limited so mark your calendar now and contact me to reserve your spot. Feel free to request your Scrapbook Wars team (2-3 per team). Feel free to share this info with fellow friends and family members.

Here is just one of the scrapbook kits I will have for sale the night of this celebration.

Two Page/One Card Workshop Kit $12.00

Happy Birthday Package Includes:

All supplies to complete 4 pages.

Cranberry, Honey, Pear and Pacifica cardstock

Cricut Artiste shapes for cupcakes and titles

Cranberry Baker’s Twine

Use of stamp sets and inks for accents.

Add on a Happy Birthday Workshop Package when you register and receive your packet when you arrive at the Fiesta. Bring your photos along and complete your pages while you crop.

Friday, April 19, 2013

This summer I will be celebrating my 15th year as a Close To My Heart Consultant. I never imaged how much my life would change when I joined the CTMH family. I signed up just for the discount. I became a stay at home mother (my oldest was just 3 months old when I became a consultant) and KNEW that I would not be able to continue buying the products I loved so much. I also had a very strong desire to attend the CTMH Convention. My plan was to just do the BARE MINIMUM to stay active which would allow me to attend convention the following summer. Doing the bare minimum is totally acceptable.

I felt comfortable promoting CTMH products (which back then the company was known as D.O.T.S- Dozens of Terrific Stamps) because after playing with products from many companies I found myself constantly coming back to CTMH products. I was enthusiastic because I love everything CTMH.

Over the course of the past 15 years I have grown so much, not only creatively but my self confidence and self estem, as well. My husband and I just returned from the 9th incentive trip I have earned through my business, I have been teaching at convention in front of thousands and thousands of men and woman for the past 10 years, I was selected to serve on the CTMH Advisory Board for 2 consecutive years, I have built up a team of over 100 people and I know there is still so much more to come!

Back when I became a consultant the start up kit cost over $250! Now, in 2013, the Essentials Kit is just $49! And the kit totally ROCKS! Wow!!!1 If I could sign up again I would! All the product, all the FREE online training, all the friendships, the opportunities to learn and to travel and most of all, the ability to be able to run my business out of my home, being able to put my family and their needs FIRST, working my business around their needs and schedules really allows me to have THE.BEST.JOB.EVER.

...and guess what- YOU CAN TOO!

The month of April is the time to SIGN UP AND CELEBRATE! CTMH is offering a magnificent special to all those who join the CTMH family all month long. As I mentioned above, the essentials kit is only $49.00.

The New Consultant Kit has what you need to start your business right, including $155 in product. You may add to your kit by purchasing the expanded Master Kit, which includes everything in the $49 kit plus more tools, products, Studio J layouts and the like for only $99. Whether you love creativity, community, business, or all three, you are welcome HERE! Join me and discover all the wonderful rewards of being a Close To My Hear Independent Consultant.

AND...During the month of April Close to my Heart is including 6 limited edition Stamp of the Month Stamp Sets to your kit FREE OF CHARGE! That is over a $150 value in FREE stamps! And these stamp sets are some of my favorite. So versatile and fun to create a large variety of projects!Signing up is so easy. You can just hop on over to my website (amy.ctmh.com) and click on "Opportunity." The computer will prompt you through the easy steps to make you a CTMH Consultant. Feel free to contact me if you need assistance or if you have any questions!This special is good only until April 30th. And I have a special extra goodie to each person who joins my team, as well!

I am giving away this fabulous and functional Damask Patterned Backpack (a $50 value) to the next person who becomes a member of my CTMH family! I will also be giving all new consultants who sign up under me an additional $25 in select product! If you do the math you could receive up to $355 i product for just $49.00 (if you are the next person to become a CTMH consultant under me)! Way. Cool! I hope you will take advantage of these amazing deals and treat yourself to a life changing experience!

Friday, April 12, 2013

Whether you use one Cricut®-cut piece or several, you can create cute party favors and decorations using your Artiste cartridge. Combine your Cricut® pieces with unique stamping techniques and you have projects that will knock your guests’ socks off! Want some recipes and tips for how to make this adorable artwork? Below are instructions for creating two pieces from the “Clearly the Best: How to kiss—with stamps” episode. Combine the Cricut®-cut pieces for these projects with the kissing stamping technique taught in the video, and you have a stellar 3-D item! Want to learn more about the kissing stamping technique?

Art Tip! This project uses many Cricut® shapes and all the pieces coordinate so nicely for an adorable finished product. Use the Artiste assembly booklet to put the bag together and then add the embellishments. The feathers are created with punched circles that are stamped using the kissing technique; however, if you don’t have the circle punch, you can easily make these using the Cricut as well. The eyes were created using Shimmer designer brads, but you can use any large brad or button to create the same look. Finish with the “owl miss you sentiment” for a special touch.

Be sure to share these tips with your customers! The owl bag and party banner are great projects to create at a workshop or club. Share just how wonderful Cricut® shapes can be by showing off these 3-D items with customers at Gatherings or other events. It’s a Cricut® party!

Opportunity to purchase scrapbook kits (precut papers, cricut pieces, stamped images, photo of layouts for guidance-I will pre-make several different kits in a limited supply. Once they sell out they are gone)

Mexican snacks and drinks through out the evening

a special treat

CTMH Gift Certificates to the winning scrapbook wars team

Here are the four pages included in your Fiesta Scrapbook Wars registration. You will receive everything you need to create these exclusive scrapbook layouts.

Bring you photos and scrapbook supplies and get ready to crop to your heart’s content once you finish with Scrapbook Wars! We are going to have a great evening of scrapbooking, some friendly competition, creating, celebrating completing projects and hanging out with friends.

Seating is limited so mark your calendar now and contact me to reserve your spot. Feel free to request your Scrapbook Wars team (2-3 per team). Feel free to share this info with fellow friends and family members.

Here is just one of the scrapbook kits I will have for sale the night of this celebration.

Two Page/One Card Workshop Kit $12.00

Happy Birthday Package Includes:

All supplies to complete 4 pages.

Cranberry, Honey, Pear and Pacifica cardstock

Cricut Artiste shapes for cupcakes and titles

Cranberry Baker’s Twine

Use of stamp sets and inks for accents.

Add on a Happy Birthday Workshop Package when you register and receive your packet when you arrive at the Fiesta. Bring your photos along and complete your pages while you crop.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

"My Sunshine" is the perfect set for all your spring and summer projects!

This set of 8 images is screaming spring and summer! I love that it goes perfectly with the CTMH ARTISTE Cricut Cartridge!

Get the Stamp of the Month set for just $5 (S1304A) when you place an order of $50 or more.

Jump-start the fun by ordering the items from the list below to create this artwork (you can see a bigger photo of the artwork on page 141 of the idea book. If you do not have the Spring Summer Idea Book than hop on over to my website- amy.ctmh.com- and view the online Idea book)! You’ll find helpful assembly tips at my Online Business Address under Promotions.

Here is another card I created with this oh so fun stamp set. I used the NEW Chantilly Paper Pack and added some pop using the NEW Chantilly Textiles (#Z1819).

To make the fabric rosette I tore a thin strip of fabric and them rolled it length-wise and then rolled it into a tight circle. I adhered it suing CTMH Liquid Glass (#Z679). Super Fun and Super Easy! I love the look! I am looking forward to creating more with the CTMH textiles!

About Me

My name is Amy McGrew. I am a Senior Director with Close to My Heart which is a stamping and scrapbooking company. I am married to my best friend, Stan and together we have 3 wonderful children- Tucker, Molly and Payton Marie. I am addicted to scrapbooking and stamping with Close To my Heart products and eating Almond M&M's! I am so thankful for my family, friends and customers (whom I also call my friends!).